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Hot water boilers offer an efficient option for home water heating. Some boilers provide hot water for heating systems as well as primary or supplemental heat for hot water at faucets and showers. Especially when pulling double duty, boilers are as prone to hiccups as any other climate-control appliance. When issues arise, the manufacturer-provided user manual serves as your best source for troubleshooting tips. Without the manual, you can address some problems with basic, universally applicable troubleshooting methods.

The Basics

Start with the most basic issues when troubleshooting your boiler. First, check the thermostat and ensure that is set to heat. If you have an electric thermostat, check its batteries and replace them as needed. Similarly, take a look at your mechanical time-clock-driven programmer, if equipped. If the clock dial is stuck, your boiler may not work. Likewise, if your electric boiler doesn't operate at all, check its primary power switch and inspect your home's electric service panel for a blown fuse or tripped breaker.

Pilot Problems

Without a working ignition, your boiler won't be able to heat. A basic standing pilot light enables ignition on many gas-fired water boilers. If your pilot light has gone out, turn the gas valve off and allow the space to thoroughly air out for at least 10 minutes. Access the pilot light enclosure, turn the knob to the “Pilot” position and depress the knob while simultaneously holding a lit match over the pilot light nozzle until the pilot ignites. Continue holding the knob for about a minute to clear out residual air. For electronic spark ignition models, hold down the gas valve button as you press and release the ignition button. When the pilot lights, keep the valve button depressed for about a minute before releasing it slowly. Some boilers have electronic igniters or hot-surface igniters that don't use a standing pilot flame.

Condensate Pipe Corrections

A frozen condensate pipe -- sometimes indicated by a gurgling sound -- can cause operational issues for a water boiler. While this issue often calls for professional repair, in some cases you can remedy the pipe with a little warm water. Typically, freezing occurs at the most exposed point on the pipe, such as the place where the pipe emerges from an external wall. Feel the condensate pipe for an abnormally cool area and thaw the pipe by slowly pouring warm -- never boiling -- water over its length until you feel it return to a lukewarm temperature. Restart your boiler after thawing -- consult your manufacturer's guide for instructions on restarting.

When to Call

Some boiler issues call for professional repair; if straightforward troubleshooting doesn't do the trick, play it safe and avoid voiding your warranty by calling a certified climate-control repair technician. Issues such as broken thermocouple -- which prevents the pilot light from igniting -- water leaks and corroded pipes require professional attention, for instance. Always check the manufacturer's guide for model-specific instructions, especially when addressing gas-related issues. Err on the side of safety; if you smell gas, turn off the gas valve, leave your home immediately and call your local gas company upon reaching a safe location.

About the Author

Dan Ketchum has been a professional writer since 2003, with work appearing online and offline in Word Riot, Bazooka Magazine, Anemone Sidecar, Trails and more. Dan's diverse professional background spans from costume design and screenwriting to mixology, manual labor and video game industry publicity.